How do you know which Inc/Dec to use in a pattern if the pattern does not specify -- such as to decrease doing armhole shaping, for example? Any good references to figure this out would be appreciated.

Best to experiment on a swatch if not sure. Most incs/decs do have some sort of lean and that might be obvious in your piece. Also, some incs create holes which can be decorative if that's the look you're going for. When in doubt, try your options, esp when paired. And certain incs/decs look better in diff st patterns. What works great in st st might not be as effective in garter, lace, etc.

My "default" increase in k1f, k1b and my "default" decrease is k2tog. Particularly if the increases or decreases are at the edges and they'll be sewed in (as in a sleeve), they won't really be seen anyway.

How do you know which Inc/Dec to use in a pattern if the pattern does not specify -- such as to decrease doing armhole shaping, for example? Any good references to figure this out would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jaye

Thank you for inquiring about this! I also find it very frustrating when patterns don't indicate what they want you to do!

I think it's pretty clear: they want you to decrease, that is, make the stitches fewer, and the rows shorter. Or increase etc.... Using a different one from theirs will not change the shape of the item. If they don't specify, they probably don't care which, or are allowing room for you to decide yourself. If you want eyelets, increase with yos. If you like being able to count your decreases or want them visible to a close examination, use kfb. If you want the least visible decreases, choose those you consider least visible. If you can only do k2tog, use that. If you want them mirrored, mirror them... which do you prefer?